US sees Trump at record-low approval, Reuters points to cause
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
President Donald Trump’s approval rating in the US has dropped to the lowest point of his second term, with 38% of Americans expressing support, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Reuters notes that Trump’s current rating is the lowest since his return to power, as Americans are dissatisfied with his handling of the high cost of living and the investigation into the late convicted billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump and the Epstein case
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a law requiring the Department of Justice to release files related to Epstein. Trump had opposed this move for months, while one of his closest allies in Congress, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, has turned into a harsh critic due to his resistance.
The White House Chief changed his position on Sunday as lawmakers prepared to move forward without him.
Only 20% of Americans, including just 44% of Republicans, approve of how the US president has handled the Epstein case. Around 70% of respondents said the government is withholding information about Epstein’s clients.
Inflation rates in the US are one reason for the drop in Trump’s approval rating
“It's all about prices. People are furious when they go out and spend money at the grocery store, and they can't believe what they are spending,” said Doug Heye, a Republican political strategist.
As a result, only 26% of Americans say their leader is handling the cost of living well, down from 29% earlier this month. Reuters notes that US inflation remains high by historical standards since Trump began his second term.
Consumer prices in the US rose 3% over the 12 months to September, despite a weakening labor market. About 65% of respondents, including one-third of Republicans, disapprove of the president’s actions regarding the cost of living.
Trump’s signature economic policy move was raising tariffs on imported goods to support US manufacturing, but many economists believe this policy has contributed to rising prices.
Expressing frustration over public perception of his economic actions, Trump last week reduced import tariffs on coffee, beef, bananas, and other key goods.
More details on Trump and the Epstein case
A new wave of scandal has erupted in the US surrounding billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein following the release of more than 20,000 pages of materials by the House Oversight Committee.
The documents contain numerous references to President Donald Trump, creating serious image problems for him. Specifically, the released letters mention his meetings with Epstein, comments on his behavior, and critical assessments of his character.
These excerpts have become the basis for new speculation, despite White House statements that the materials prove nothing.
Prices in the US
The US is experiencing rapid price increases, which have sparked public frustration. As previously reported, the acceleration of inflation in the country has been influenced, in part, by Trump’s tariffs on a range of imported goods.
